Finals week is killin' me, Smalls

Here's what finals week looks like for me: ponytail, Merrell trail gloves, Uni hoodie, and yoga pants! Rocking it and trying to make it through to Christmas!!!

Thinking ahead to retirement…

Retirement grant many people a new appreciation for life. It allows people to embark on their dreams or enjoy the activities they always put off during their working life.You may want to see the world or you may wish to treat your loved ones to something special. Whatever you decide, your later years are your chance to finally enjoy the activities you love without worrying about work commitments or other everyday pressures getting in the way. However, in order to address such goals it is important to prepare for your retirement years in advance. Those that have children may wish to ask for a little help and discussing your plans with your family can be very helpful.

Using the internet
Many of today’s generation are extremely tech-savvy and whilst those in their senior years may not be as au fait with the latest gadgets, they can still use the internet to research different retirement options. There is a wealth of information available online so it pays to spend a little time reading about the choices you have before you.

Downsizing
You may wish to downsize in order to release a little capital. In order to do this you will need to begin by putting your existing abode on the market. Once you have completed the task at hand, you will then need to address the issue of finding somewhere new to live. Renting an apartment may be a much better option than buying somewhere outright or entering a care home, especially if you still want your independence. A retirement apartment is a great option to look into and whilst there may be a carer on hand to assist you with everyday activities you can use their services as much or as little as you want.

It is important that you discuss any plans you have with your family as they may be able to help you find a suitable place to live. Whilst it should always be your decision in the end, getting a few extra opinions can prove invaluable and ensure the place you choose is exactly what you need.

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This is a sponsored post. Links in the post may result in financial gain for OpGirl.

Any and all opinions expressed are OpGirl’s own.

I still exist! I still wear things!

Look! I am wearing things!

Top: Gwynnie Bee // Jeans: Old Navy skinnies // Boots: Torrid wide calf Ginger fold-over boots

I bought my new boots at Torrid a few weeks ago and discovered that my mall has remodeled several storefronts into one GIANT Forever21, carrying the men’s line AND plus line. Well… let’s face it. There goes all my money as I fall down the fast fashion blogger trap that is the awesome F21. Even John likes their stuff! I have to remind myself (often) that quality still trumps quantity.

Speaking of quality… I could have cuddled up in this top from Gwynnie Bee. It was so soft and comfy… and opaque, unlike many drapey tops. It’s perfect for a day out shopping with jeans, a night at my MIL’s watching TV in comfy ponte knit pants, or going out with patterned tights and an above-the-knee skirt. Bonus: also work appropriate!

Here’s another sneak peek at my upcoming show, A Christmas Story. All costuming done by my friend Stacey, who also does all types of costumes and dress-making (even kilts and wedding dresses!) at A Touch of Magic Costumes by Creatively Tink.

Missing in Action

This is why I’ve been so MIA lately… I’ve been directing the Christmas show at my theatre and we’ve been working on A Christmas Story. You know- the classic “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”

I am so proud of my cast and crew for pulling together an amazing, heartwarming show that brings new life to the familiar characters. I will see you readers soon… as soon as this and finals are over.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

No nonsense: the proof is in the pants

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.

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I love colored tights. I love patterned tights. I love colored AND patterned tights. BUT there's nothing as awesome to me as a pair of comfortable, stretchy leggings. If I could wear leggings as pants every day, I would. (But leggings are not pants, y'all). So... when I was chosen for the No nonsense tights and leggings campaign with the Clever Girls, I was very enthusiastic. 

Leggings and tights can be game changers. They can take an ordinary and normal outfit and catapult it into the favorite range by adding a little oomph and/or a little extra security that you're not about to Britney someone getting out of a low-riding car. (I know you know what I'm saying.) I received two pairs of kick-butt No nonsense legwear: a black pair of leggings that I have worn more times that I can count and a pair of patterned black tights that I was saving for a special day when I needed an extra shot of fashionista.

The tights were cool and definitely punched up a normal outfit for me. It felt kind of nice knowing that people noticed the patterns on my legs, which is normally not something I'd purchase. I am a fishnets or opaque girl normally and this was a great change from the norm. They were comfortable and easy to put on with no worries of sudden snags. 

The kicker, though, was how AMAZING the leggings are. I was surprised to realize that the leggings I received had a high rise panel over the abdomen. Seriously?! That's serious comfort and security knowing that my belly is covered, my butt is covered, and all in a thick, opaque, soft knit that doesn't get shiny when stretched. As aforementioned, I've worn them at least six or seven times in the last few weeks. I have washed them in almost every set of laundry because they are the BEST leggings I've ever owned. I will for sure be ordering lots more to be sure I'm stocked. 

Another great thing about No nonsense is that they're not only available at mass retail stores, but also at many drug stores and food stores. I checked at my local Ingles, my grocery of choice, and there they were near the baby-stuffs and across from the toothpaste. I was happy to know that in case of emergency, No nonsense has my back wherever I go, even the grocer, where I can find affordable, high-quality legwear.

P.S. Check out this awesome video! Leggings are for EVERYONE... any shape or size! Also check out No nonsense on Facebook and Twitter. 

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I was sponsored by No nonsense for this opportunity. All opinions are my own.

5 essentials for your new home

Moving house is often an exhausting job, involving plenty of late nights and stress. However, once you finally move in and have the chance to relax, decorating your house – and turning it into a home – can actually be a hugely rewarding and fun experience. Whether you’re completely renovating your new home or simply sprucing it up with a few personal touches, here are five essential items to see you through the process.

1. Comfortable mattress
You might not have actually assembled the bed yet, but a comfortable mattress will be well worth the investment – not least because getting a good night’s sleep will make you better equipped to deal with the headaches of decorating and putting up furniture. If you’re shopping for a mattress, it’s a good idea to test a variety of models in-store, so you can figure out whether a memory foam or traditional spring mattress is the right choice for you.

2. Kitchen equipment
The importance of the can opener is not to be underestimated – and little things like kitchen utensils have a disconcerting habit of getting lost when you move house. There’s nothing worse than having an evening meal thwarted by not being able to find the right equipment, so it’s certainly worth taking a trip to your local department store to pick up the essentials – and perhaps a few non-essentials, too (rotating apple peeler, anyone?).

3. Bookshelves
Even if you’re not a dedicated bookworm, bookshelves are an essential in any home – and they’re also perfect for housing your CD and DVD collections, as well as ornaments and family photos. If you know a reliable joiner, it’s a sensible investment to install some built-in shelving, particularly if you have rooms with convenient alcoves. Alternatively, have a browse in furniture stores and reclamation yards for bargains that could simply do with a lick of paint and some TLC.

4. Rugs
Your new home may not have quite the right carpet just yet, or it may have bare floorboards that need attention. Laying down a few rugs will help you to feel at home immediately, and will also keep your feet warm – and ensure that draughts stay out – in those early days.

5. Candles
Candles are perfect for creating a homely and welcoming atmosphere, giving off a much softer light than bare electric bulbs. On a practical note, a box or two in the cupboard will also be handy in the case of any teething problems with your electricity supply.

There are always unexpected expenses when moving house, and having a credit card for those last-minute purchases can help to make the whole process go more smoothly. Take a look at the range of credit cards available from American Express UK, which come with exclusive membership rewards and benefits to ensure that your money goes further.

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This is a sponsored post. Links in the post may result in financial gain for OpGirl. Any and all opinions expressed are OpGirl’s own.

And, finally, boots. Glorious vegan boots.

sweater: jcp … leggings: no nonsense … boots: torrid

Introducing: the first pair of tall boots that I have owned in my adult life. I have a hard time finding calves that fit and, admittedly, these are a little large but very soft and very comfortable. They can be worn over the knee or folded down as knee-high boots. The color is perfectly between tan and grey to be worn with black or brown. I have worn them three days in a row now with the sheer excitement of actually owning boots! They are relatively comfortable, but would probably benefit from a cushioned insole that I can get inexpensively at any shoe store.

Torrid’s tan ginger boot fits up to an 18.1 inch calf in a size 8 (20.5 inches in a 13!!!) and are made from all man-made materials. Yep! That means these boots are gorgeous AND they are wide AND they’re vegan. A more perfect match could not be made.

I paired my boots with comfortable leggings, a black tank, and a long sweater tunic that is softer than many blankets. I wore my Susan Graver reversible coat (a Christmas present from my lovely MIL) to ward off the chill and accessorized simply with my anniversary present from The Alternative Gent. In short, I felt super dee duper cute today! I even had time to play around with my makeup.

face: covergirl neutralizer, sephora pressed powder

eyes: stila shadow in “meadow,” sephora felt tip liner and waterproof mascara

I am not very good at lining my top lid and it took me a few minutes to coax a line onto my sensitive skin but I did it! I brushed the green shadow over the liner so that it lessened the stark effect of the liner. I finished up with waterproof mascara from Sephora for a great defining effect on my eyes. Not too shabby for an early morning…

Linking up at The Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday!